Common Sense Self Defense

Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these 9 things to do in an emergency situation.

1. If grabbed, always go for the eyes first. Groin attacks with biting are a close second. Rip, tear, squeeze and yell. If you are close enough to use it, do it!

2. If a robber asks for your wallet or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you... chances are he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you and will go for them. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, working, etc. and balance their checkbook, make a list, check their makeup, whatever. DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead, gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your seat belt (that you should have on) will save you. Chances are he will not take the time to put his on. As soon as the car crashes, bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or garage:
A. Be aware, look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor and in the back seat.
B. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a security guard to walk you back out. IT IS BETTER TO SAFE THAN SORRY, AND BETTER TO BE PARANOID THAN DEAD.

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at night!

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zig zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP! It may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who always played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane or a limp and often asked for help into his vehicle or with his vehicle which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another safety point: There have been reports of women hearing a baby crying on their porch or outside their windows at night. Police think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR, INSTEAD, CALL THE POLICE! This has been featured on America's Most Wanted, and should be taken seriously.